Mikey Wright’s about to surf his first CT event

Words by Morgan Williamson  The mullet rocking, tattoo-blasted power surfer, Sir Mikey Wright is your Quiksilver Pro Wildcard. The kid’s been slowly carving his way onto the map, and after his standout freesurf performances on the North Shore, Mikey’s becoming a household name. Why? Because he fucking rips. He surfs full speed ahead with a radical looseness reminiscent of Dane Reynolds. His hard rail grab jams and massive punts make your face feel soft. When Mikey attacks the wave, it doesn’t look like he’s even striving towards sucess. He just whips ferocious carves and leaps, the result is a combination of speed, power and flow in a league of its own. “I’ve watched Owen and Tyler and I’ve seen what they’ve done and I’ve had conversations with them both,” Mikey told Stab on competing. “Tyler said to me, ‘Hold off (on qualifying) as long as you can. You’re only young once. If I could’ve waited, I would’ve.’ And it’s been the same message from Owen. He said, ‘Go for it if you really want it. But… if you’ve got the smallest feeling that you’re not ready, don’t do it. Don’t force yourself.’ So from watching them I got to make up my own mind.” But now, after the loss of Dane and Ando, Mikey’s at the forefront of Quik’s team. He’s up and coming, hot and edgy, dripping with confidence and ready to take the wildcard spot for the CT’s inaugural event. Just what Snapper needs, Mr Mikey Wright. Stab: So, the wildcard huh?Mikey: Yeah man, I’m so stoked. I remember being a grommet and sitting down the beach here at Snapper watching these guys surf this event and dreaming of doing it one day myself. It’s crazy to think this year I will be. You nervous? Confident? About to make shit scream? Where’s your head at?I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit nervous, but I’m probably more excited than nervous to be honest. This will be my first event surfing on the World Tour and getting the chance to surf against my idols is amazing. I’m just stoked I get to go out and share the line-up at Snapper with guys I’ve looked up to all my life. You got a training regiment?Well I moved up here (Gold Coast) about three months ago to train and get more consistent waves. The surf at Snapper has been pumping and I’ve been surfing it non-stop since I’ve been living here, trying to learn the banks and know where’s best to sit. I’ve also been working with Ex-World Tour surfers and Quiksilver team riders Troy Brooks and Matt Hoy. Those guys are legends. They have been teaching me about heat tactics and giving me tips to help me win. High power airbrush whips will never grow old. Photo: Bosko What’s under your feet?I’m surfing for JS Surfboards now and his boards go sick. I’ve got around 12 boards ready for the event. Some round tails and rounded squares. I’ve been riding the Monsta 6 model the most. It’s rad. Super fast, responsive and holds up really well in all different conditions. For the event, what conditions are you pulling for? I’d be pumped if it was four foot with clean barrels breaking behind the rock and big walls for hacks. That would be perfect I think. Oh and I’d love to surf a heat against my brother Owen. I don’t know if I’d beat him but I know it would be a good heat. Next time, I guess… What are you most looking forward to at the Quiksilver Pro?Easy… Getting to do a post-heat interview with Rosy Hodge! Any last words?If you see a sick black Valiant with Stay High! stickers on it cruising around the event, come up and say hi.